Version 2024 has some great new features to check out!
Tabs3 Platinum Software Highlights
Tabs3 Billing Highlights
PracticeMaster Highlights
Tabs3 Trust Accounting Highlights
Tabs3 Accounts Payable Highlights
Tabs3 Taskbill
For in-depth information on all of the new Version 2024 features, including screenshots, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11947, “Version 2024 Introduction to New Features.” A list with links to all Version 2024 information can be found in R11949, “Version 2024 Information and Resources.”
To download Version 2024, check for updates via the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Check for Updates” or via the Help | Check for Updates menu option, or contact your local consultant.
Did you know that you can run your accounts receivable (A/R) reports for historical data? The Platinum edition of Tabs3 Billing provides the ability to print A/R balances as of a specific date. This option calculates the A/R based on records present in Tabs3 Billing, effectively showing what the A/R would have been on the given date.
To run a historic Accounts Receivable Report
Note: Although the calculated A/R will be correct based on records currently in the software, it is possible that it may not match an A/R report run on the original date if any transactions have since been deleted, statements unbilled, payments reversed, or any write offs reversed.
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
Just getting started with Tabs3 Connect, or simply want additional information? There are several resources to provide you with all of the tools you need to know about Tabs3 Connect!
Quick Guide
At only eleven pages, the Tabs3 Connect Quick Guide is a quick but essential read when you want to know how to use Tabs3 Connect. The Tabs3 Connect Quick Guide provides information on getting started, logging in to Tabs3 Connect, the difference between the full site and phone site, accessing and entering data, and logging out. The Tabs3 Connect Quick Guide can be accessed via Knowledge Base Article R11500, “Tabs3 Connect Quick Guide.”
Knowledge Base
In addition to the Tabs3 Connect Quick Guide, the Knowledge Base also provides the following articles about Tabs3 Connect:
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, call Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
When a document needs to be reviewed, how is it passed around the office? Is it printed and handed out, or maybe sent via email to everyone for commentary? There is an easier way – use eNotify to send everyone a link to the PracticeMaster record!
How does eNotify work? By clicking the eNotify button when viewing any PracticeMaster record (e.g., document management, calendar, client, fee, journal, etc.), a new Send eNote window is displayed that includes some basic information regarding the linked record, depending on the file from which it was created. The Send eNote window also automatically contains a link to the record. This feature provides a simple way to notify other users of additions or changes to their PracticeMaster records (e.g., address changes, rescheduled meetings, newly scheduled events or tasks, etc.).
When the recipient views the eNote, a link at the bottom of the eNote window can be used to open the referenced record. In the opened record, all fields will be available for review.
eNotify has several other uses, such as making attorneys aware of a new client by eNotifying them with a link to the new client record, or eNotifying a group of users regarding a change in the location, date, or time of a calendar event that is moments away. Using eNotify in these situations can make users aware of changes that they might otherwise find out about too late if they depend solely on email for communication.
eNotify is a fast and easy way to notify users of changes and additions to the PracticeMaster files. Making eNotify part of your daily routine can guarantee that everyone is in the know!
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, or call Support at (402) 419-2210.
Do you want to access client information, track time, and view important case documents on the go? Tabs3 Connect provides all of these features and more!
In the Working with Tabs3 Connect video, see how easy it is to quickly add new fees and costs, view a firm-wide calendar, access a billing summary for each matter, and manage your matters from anywhere with an internet connection. Best of all, this Platinum feature securely connects your mobile device to your server, so you don’t have to worry about storing sensitive data on your personal device.
Watch this two-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
Did you know that Tabs3 Connect takes advantage of existing security features for Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster? Not only does user access to Tabs3 Software data follow the same rules regardless of how you are accessing it, Tabs3 Connect provides even more control!
For an added level of control, you can monitor who is accessing Tabs3 Connect. The Tabs3 Connect Access Log tracks the following information:
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, call Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
When determining the best Platinum license for your firm, whether you are looking into a first-time purchase or upgrading, you must take into consideration the required overhead connections that are necessary. But what exactly are overhead connections? We’re glad you asked!
Note: Subscription users do not need to specify a number of connections.
When the Tabs3 Software “talks” to the Platinum server across the network, it requires a “connection” to do so. Although connections are required by the Tabs3 Platinum Software, some connections can be enabled or disabled, and some are dependent upon how many users are in the software and what they are doing.
The following list provides a breakdown as to when connections are needed:
Licensing and pricing is based on a per connection basis. The Platinum Server is available in 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, and 1024 connection increments.
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, or call Support at (402) 419-2210.
Did you know that you can use a timer in Tabs3 Connect? Timers are shared between Tabs3 Connect and PracticeMaster, letting you seamlessly add and edit timers whether you’re in the office or on the go. The timer will continue to track your time even if the browser window closes.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, call Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
You can take your firm to the next level with the top-of-the-line Platinum edition of Tabs3 Software! With mobile access, extensive security features, faster reports, accelerated filtering, and automated backups, Platinum will help save you time while ensuring reliability.
Tabs3 Connect is one of Platinum’s most powerful tools. Using Tabs3 Connect gives you the freedom to enter and track data from anywhere you can access the internet. Simply open a browser window from any device and log in.
Tabs3 Connect not only makes adding fees and costs easy, but also provides access to client information, a billing summary, and any related contacts, all from the Matter Manager. You can even open documents to be printed or emailed, depending on your device’s capabilities. Tabs3 Connect also provides access to calendar features for you and your firm, allowing you to add events and tasks and link them to a specific matter.
All of the data accessed by Tabs3 Connect is stored on your server, not your mobile device, so there is no risk of losing or compromising your data in any way. Since all information is connected to your server, changes or additions made in Tabs3 Connect are available for all users instantly.
Along with reliable mobility, Platinum also includes many features to help secure your firm’s information and prevent data corruption.
One of the most useful features is the ability to schedule a backup. A HotBackup can be created automatically throughout the day and you can choose to receive email confirmation when a backup has completed. Best of all, you no longer need to wait until everyone has logged out of the software to create a backup. A HotBackup can be created while users continue to work in the software, which makes securing your data hassle-free.
Platinum’s Auto Recovery feature helps prevent loss of data due to power outages or network loss. If you are interrupted for any reason, such as when running Update Statements, the software will roll back to a safe point, allowing you to pick up where you left off instead of having to restore from a backup. After the interruption, you can simply restart the process.
Platinum also includes report and filtering accelerators for Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster, which speed up report generation and list filtering by up to 30 times. This is the perfect solution for firms with a lot of data or for anyone looking to speed up their software experience.
Mobile access, data security, and accelerators only scratch the surface of Platinum’s capabilities. You can find more information about all of the features that the Platinum Software has to offer by checking out Knowledge Base Article R11379 “Platinum Overview.”
If you are more of a hands-on user, try a free 30 day trial of Platinum! KB Article R11261, “Platinum Net 30 Trial Plan,” provides information regarding how to get started. Contact your local consultant, or contact our Sales Department at (402) 419-2200 today! You are just one phone call away from experiencing the many benefits and features of Platinum!
Version 2023 has some great new features to check out!
Tabs3 Platinum Software Highlights
PracticeMaster Highlights
Tabs3 Software Highlights
For in-depth information on all of the new Version 2023 features, including screenshots, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11925, “Version 2023 Introduction to New Features.” A list with links to all Version 2023 information can be found in R11927, “Version 2023 Information and Resources.”
To download Version 2023, visit Tabs3.com/update or contact your local consultant.
With Tabs3 Connect, you can see your entire firm’s calendar, not just your appointments, wherever you are. Because Tabs3 Connect accesses the PracticeMaster calendar back at the office, you can schedule meetings while you’re away, link them to a specific client and matter, and include other people from your office. When others add something to the calendar, you can see it right away from your tablet or smartphone. You can even view your active alarms in Tabs3 Connect to make sure you don’t miss an appointment or critical task.
Tabs3 Connect can optimize your calendar layout based on your device’s available screen space. When viewing the calendar on your smartphone, use the Phone Layout to see entries using the Agenda or Task List view. When viewing the calendar on your tablet or computer, use the Full Layout to see entries using the Agenda, Task List, or Calendar view. The layout can be toggled by clicking the icon in the upper-right corner of the web page.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, call Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
The Platinum edition of Tabs3 Software provides a multitude of benefits when working with reports. If reporting is important to your firm, take a look at the following reasons to upgrade now!
Platinum Report Accelerators
Platinum accelerators make processing reports and statements an average of 10 – 30 times faster. The reason for the speed boost is that all of the processing is done at the server instead of sending data back and forth across the network. This significantly affects the time it takes to run reports.
Take a look at actual benchmark numbers in Knowledge Base Article R11142, “Tabs3 Performance Comparison.” You might be surprised!
For more information on how accelerators work and a list of accelerated reports, see Knowledge Base Article R11182, “Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster Accelerators.”
Platinum Exclusive Report Options
When you upgrade to Platinum, you get bonus reporting options in Tabs3 Billing:
For more information on the Accounts Receivable by Timekeeper Report and Enhanced Detail Accounts Receivable Report, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, or call Support at (402) 419-2210.
Did you know that text macros can be used in Tabs3 Connect? Text macros are used to help speed up data entry by maintaining a list of Macro IDs that expand out to full words or phrases when typed. For example, entering “PNG” may expand out to “plea of not guilty,” or “ATT” may expand to “attended.” Keep in mind that although macros can be used in Tabs3 Connect, they must still be added and modified in Tabs3 Billing or PracticeMaster.
To enable text macros in Tabs3 Connect for this session, simply open Tabs3 Connect, click the button, and then select Enable Text Macros. If text macros are enabled and you prefer to disable them for this session, select Disable Text Macros instead. You can also specify the default setting in System Configuration for each user. This means that the setting you select will be the default every time you log in to Tabs3Connect.com.
To set the default behavior for text macros in Tabs3 Connect
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, call Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
Do you often find yourself clicking No when prompted to make a backup in Tabs3 Software? If so, is it because you don’t have time to wait for a backup to complete, or because other people are currently working and they don’t have the time to log out and wait?
The HotBackup feature in Tabs3 Platinum Software alleviates the issue of making everyone log out because your data is backed up while others continue working in the software. Additionally, thanks to Platinum’s Transaction Processing feature and server processing capabilities, you are prompted to back up less often, and backups are completed in significantly less time.
HotBackup provides the ability to schedule backups throughout the day. Backups can be set up to run at a specific time on weekdays, every day, or on specific days. This means there will always be a recent restore point if the need arises, and less data (if any) to reenter. You can configure automatic notifications so that once a scheduled HotBackup has been run, an email will be sent to a designated recipient upon completion or failure of the HotBackup. This gives you added security of always knowing that the existing HotBackups are solid. You can select multiple email addresses for messages to be sent to, select whether a message is sent if the HotBackup succeeds or fails, and even customize the message as desired.
The standard built-in Back Up Data Files program is limited to storing a maximum of three backups with a maximum of 2GB in size for each backup. However, with HotBackup, you can store up to 198 backups, and the only size limitation is the amount of free space on your hard drive. You can select how many backups you want to keep at any given time, and you can even choose where you want your HotBackups stored!
It is important to note that the built-in backup in the Tabs3 Software only back up data files. They do not back up program files, nor do they back up every file in the Tabs3 Current Working Directory. You will need to use a third-party backup to back up the Current Working Directory for the purpose of recovering from a catastrophic failure, such as fire, flood, theft, server hard drive failure, etc.
Having viable data backups is important in any business. Stop daring fate by clicking No when prompted for a backup.
For more information on backing up the data, check out Knowledge Base Articles R11193, HotBackup Overview,” and R11213, “Backup Strategy.” For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
QuickViews provide a powerful way of organizing and finding information. QuickViews combine a filter, column layout, and sort option into a tab at the top of the window. When you change from one QuickView to another, you quickly change which records you see, the columns that are displayed, and the order in which records appear. In PracticeMaster, QuickViews can also include Smart tabs at the bottom of the list to further sort records into groups based on the selected indexed field. You can customize the colors used for QuickViews and Smart tabs. You can share QuickViews for all users as needed or define them for yourself. Once created, you can select a QuickView at the top of the window, or via the Quick Clicks pane.
QuickViews are available for both Platinum and non-Platinum editions of the software; however, they run faster in the Platinum edition of Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster.
Why are QuickViews faster in Platinum? Filters are processed at the server computer, similar to how the Accelerator processes reports. Rather than having to filter the records once they have been received from the server, the workstation receives only the records that have been pre-filtered by the server. This reduces network traffic and allows filtered lists to display considerably faster. Additionally, column sorting is processed at the server, which also improves the speed at which lists are displayed.
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, or call Support at (402) 419-2210.
When you’re not at the office and you need to record the time you spent on a matter or a cost you incurred, what do you do? Why, log into Tabs3 Connect on your phone or tablet, of course!
Tabs3 Connect makes it easy to enter fees and costs for a client even when you’re not at the office. No more writing notes on scraps of paper that can get lost, or in an app amidst a bunch of other notes. You can use your phone to enter fees and costs directly into Tabs3 Connect from anywhere and at any time!
To add a new Fee or Cost via Tabs3 Connect
Changing Your Start Page
Want to make entering fees even easier? Set up Tabs3 Connect to open to a new fee as soon as you log in.
To set Tabs3 Connect to open to a new fee
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, call Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
Want to know if Platinum is right for your firm? Try out Tabs3 Platinum risk free for 30 days! This offer allows you to use all of the Platinum features with your own data for 30 days before determining whether Platinum will be a permanent upgrade.
Key features in the Platinum software include:
For more information on the 30-day trial offer, visit Knowledge Base Article R11261, “Platinum Net 30 Trial Plan,” and then contact your local consultant or contact our Sales Department at 402-419-2200 to take advantage of this great offer!
Did you know that you can change how Tabs3 Connect appears on your Smartphone, tablet, or computer? By changing a Tabs3 Connect setting, you can make the most of the space available. Changing the setting is easy – simply tap or click the icon and select Use Phone Layout. Enabling the Phone Layout option uses smaller icons and shows only the most pertinent information for what you are working on in order to save space. Want to change back to the full view? Tap or click the icon and select Use Full Layout.
Furthermore, the following options in Tabs3 Connect are dependent upon whether you are using the Full Layout or Phone Layout:
Calendar View
Logging Out
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, call Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
What is the best way to communicate and share records between users in PracticeMaster? Send an eNote! eNote is a blend of the best features of instant messaging and email to provide a remarkably easy-to-use tool that streamlines communication, facilitates workflow between users, and enhances your current case management procedures.
The eNote feature is available in the Platinum edition of PracticeMaster, and allows you to communicate instantly. Not only can you send text, but you can also link PracticeMaster records to the eNote, providing quick access to the information you need. You can even send and receive eNotes while away from the office with Tabs3 Connect! You can easily reply to, forward, or dismiss eNotes, as well as add them to the Journal, Calendar, and Fee files.
Working on a project and don’t want to be disturbed? Select Do Not Disturb to minimize interruption. When Do Not Disturb is selected, the eNote window will remain minimized so that the user is not interrupted by eNotes. Select Away to let others know you are not at your desk. The sender will receive a message of the receiving user’s status, letting the sender know that the eNote may not be received right away.
You can specify how eNotes are shown upon arrival. Click the button to open the eNote Preferences window. Select to open the full eNote window (Pop up for new eNotes) or to show a balloon notification (Balloon for new eNotes). You can also select to Play sound for new eNotes using a sound file on your computer.
When sending an eNote that needs immediate attention, select the Urgent check box. Urgent eNotes will appear on top of the recipient’s Windows desktop, regardless of recipient’s selected status.
eNotes can be dismissed or deleted. Dismissed eNotes are removed from the eNote window, but are available in the eNote List (in the Quick Launch, search for and select “eNote List”). Only users with the Permanently Delete eNotes access right can delete their eNotes, thus leaving a record of correspondence. Click the (eNote List) button to open the eNote List, displaying a list of your eNotes. Filters in the eNote group of the Quick Clicks pane let you select whether you want to include all of your eNotes, your unread eNotes, your sent eNotes, or your received eNotes. If you have rights to Access All Users’ eNotes, you can also include all users’ eNotes, deleted eNotes, or a specific user’s eNotes.
For additional information on eNote, see Knowledge Base Article R11246, “PracticeMaster eNote Frequently Asked Questions.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your Tabs3 Software consultant, or contact Support at (402) 419-2210.
Did you know that you can download and view documents for any of your clients from your phone, tablet, or laptop? You can download linked documents that are in PracticeMaster’s Document Management file or email attachments that are in the Journal file.
After logging in to Tabs3 Connect, open Matter Manager to access a client’s documents. Select the desired client and then do one of the following:
Tabs3 Connect lets you control who has access to documents. Only the users who have Tabs3 Connect access AND who belong to an access profile that specifically grants rights in System Configuration to Download Files via Tabs3 Connect can download linked files and email attachments (Access Profile | PM tab | File Information | Download Files via Tabs3 Connect). Furthermore, every downloaded file from Tabs3 Connect is logged in the Tabs3 Connect Access Log, thus allowing you to see exactly which documents have been downloaded by which users.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your consultant, call Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
Network and hardware failure can cause data corruption in any firm, regardless of preventative measures. Auto-Recovery helps provide peace of mind when faced with these issues.
For example, if you are updating statements and you lose network connectivity in the middle of the update, without Platinum you would have to restore your data and potentially lose many hours of work. Not so with Auto-Recovery! Auto-Recovery monitors the software. When it recognizes a transaction has not completed properly, it rolls back the database to its previous state before the database transaction began.
In the case of Update Statements being interrupted, Auto-Recovery means that if the interruption occurs during the update to client 1240.00’s statement, then all statements prior to client 1240.00 will remain updated, while client 1240.00 will be “rolled back” to the state before you started Update Statements. You will simply receive a message indicating that Update Statements needs to be run again.
This is a powerful feature that can save your firm time and money. Power failures, computer crashes, and network failures can occur on even the best networks. Auto-Recovery helps greatly reduce the impact of these issues.
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or call Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
Have you checked out Tabs3 Connect yet? Tabs3 Connect is a Platinum feature that provides access to Tabs3 and PracticeMaster anywhere you can connect to the Internet, and it’s easy to navigate. Simply browse to Tabs3Connect.com and log in to access your data!
A – You can access Matter Manager, Clients, Contacts, Calendar, Costs, Fees, and Recap of Hours from the home page and from the toolbar at the top of each page.
B – Use the timer feature to start, pause, and resume a timer, and to see a list of current timers. Timers can optionally be converted to fees.
C – The Alarm icon shows how many alarms are past due, the eNote icon shows how many unread eNotes you have received, and the ? (Help) icon opens a menu with the following options: Help, Privacy Policy, Administration, Contact Us, Use Full/Phone Layout, Disable Text Macros, and Logout.
D – Use Matter Manager to access your client and contact information via the All Activity, Billing Summary, Calendar, Contacts, Costs, Documents, Fees, Journal, Phone and Email, and More Files buttons.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your consultant, call Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
Time is money, and how long it takes for your firm to complete tasks affects the bottom line. So how will Platinum software speed things up for your firm?
For more information about Platinum Accelerators, see Knowledge Base Article R11182, “Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Accelerators.” For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or call Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
Whether you’ve just upgraded to Platinum, or you’ve had Platinum for a while and just haven’t started using Tabs3 Connect yet, one of your first questions may be how to set up Tabs3 Connect.
To get started, Tabs3 Connect is first enabled at the firm level (Platinum | Tabs3 Connect Administration), and then individually for each user via System Configuration. With Tabs3 Connect, you can specify which users can access the firm’s Tabs3 data on their internet-enabled device. If not everyone in the office needs to use Tabs3 Connect, you can provide access to only those users who do.
To enable Tabs3 Connect for a user
Once Tabs3 Connect has been set up in System Configuration, open your browser and log on to Tabs3Connect.com to start using it immediately! You’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your consultant, call Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
We added a brand new synchronization option for the Microsoft 365 Exchange Connector. This new feature is specifically designed to simplify the setup and improve the reliability when synchronizing with Exchange Online / Microsoft 365. This new synchronization option provides the following advantages:
Additionally, using the Exchange Connector with an Exchange Online / Microsoft 365 server provides the following advantages over other types of Exchange servers:
For more information on the Microsoft 365 Exchange Online, see Knowledge Base R11898, “Configuring the PracticeMaster Platinum Exchange Connector for Exchange Online / Microsoft 365.” For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or call Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
You meet up with a client away from the office, they want to write a check for what they owe, but you don’t have the balance due with you. What do you do? Simply log into Tabs3 Connect, and have the amount in a matter of seconds!
With Tabs3 Connect, you can use the Matter Manager to see exactly how much your client owes. Matter Manager’s Billing Summary provides client-specific information that includes the current amount due, work-in-process fees and costs, aged balances, and more. Make sure you’re not fumbling for a figure, or having to call the office. Accessing Tabs3 Connect is quick, easy, and secure!
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your consultant, call Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
Do you have a question about the software? Any questions that you want to ask have likely been asked by others as well. Because of this, we have created several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) articles, and made it easy to access them all in one place.
Knowledge Base Article R11567, “Frequently Asked Questions for All Products,” provides a list of articles answering FAQs. Articles are grouped by general, software features, and version specific questions.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Knowledge Base.”
There are many great features in Tabs3 Platinum, but when you want more information, where do you start? Whether you are looking into Platinum, have just purchased a license, or have had it for a while, we provide many great resources to help you learn more about Platinum.
Knowledge Base Article R11406, “Platinum/SQL Resources,” provides information on accessing the Platinum Product Page, Platinum SQL white paper, Platinum Server Guide, and Platinum Help topics. Additionally, a list of more than 30 Knowledge Base Articles are grouped by general information, Platinum feature information, technical and troubleshooting information, and Platinum SQL information.
If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
You’re away from the office and need to review an email that was sent regarding a client, but trying to find it in Outlook on your phone or tablet can be cumbersome and time consuming. Tabs3 Connect can get you what you need faster!
Emails that have been journaled to PracticeMaster and assigned to a client are all easily accessed in one place – the Matter Manager. Tabs3 Connect provides access to the Matter Manager from any browser and from wherever you are, be it court, an outside business meeting, lunch, or your favorite vacation spot. Simply log in to Tabs3 Connect and click the icon to open the Matter Manager. Select the Client ID, and then click the Journal button. You can now see and search all items that were journaled for this client, including email journal records.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your consultant, call Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
Being able to easily access the eNote window is essential for quick communication. Pinning the eNote icon to your Windows Taskbar makes accessing your eNotes faster than ever!
The Accessing the PracticeMaster eNote Window video covers how to display the eNote icon in your taskbar notification area and how you can organize your icons on the taskbar.
Watch this two-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos in the Quick Launch by searching for and selecting “Training Videos.”
When you need to perform an exclusive task, such as running the Data File Integrity Check, it’s not always a simple task to get everyone out of the software. Phone calls you make and emails you send may not be answered or returned, so that leaves you running around the office to close the software on each computer. Resetting users isn’t recommended because resetting users while they are working in the software can cause corruption in the data. But there’s a better way! With Platinum, you can safely log off users from your computer via the Log Off Users feature.
The Platinum edition provides users with the opportunity to save their work and close the software themselves, or to be safely logged out automatically. When a Conflicting Activities window is displayed, click the Request Log Off button.
Clicking the Request Log Off button opens the Request Log Off window, allowing you to enter a reason for the log off and the number of minutes before users will be automatically logged off. Clicking the Send Request button then sends a message that will be displayed on each user’s computer informing them how long they have to save their work before being safely logged off.
Once all users have logged out, the Conflicting Activities window is replaced with the window of the task you need to perform.
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
If you haven’t reviewed your HotBackup schedule, notification preferences, and storage settings in a while, now is a great time to do it! These settings can all be accessed in System Configuration via the Platinum | Platinum Server Configuration menu options, and are summarized below. Although the built-in data recovery that Platinum’s Transaction Processing provides in the event of interruption minimizes data loss, HotBackup helps minimize the amount of data you will have to reenter in the event a restore becomes necessary.
HotBackup Schedule
Do you have regular HotBackups scheduled throughout the day? When scheduling HotBackups, keep in mind that users do not have to exit the software.
A schedule can be added or edited via the HotBackup Schedule tab in the Platinum Server Configuration window.
HotBackup Folder
Where are your HotBackups stored, and how many do you keep? We recommend storing your HotBackups outside of the Tabs3 Software directory. When first setting up your HotBackup preferences, we provide a default storage threshold of four recent and two archive HotBackups. This means that a total of six HotBackups are stored at any given time. When deciding how many to keep, remember that you can store up to 198 HotBackups, provided enough space is available.
Storage settings can be updated via the HotBackup Folder tab.
Notification Center
How will you know if something happens and a HotBackup fails? Setting up a notification when a HotBackup fails helps give you peace of mind. You can set up the notification to send to one or more addresses. This helps ensure that all parties who need to know are notified. Notifications are not limited to just failures; you can also set up notifications to be sent for successful HotBackups, if desired.
Once you have this in place, it’s a good idea to regularly verify the current recipients. If you’ve switched IT companies, and/or someone is no longer employed, you may be sending failure messages to an email address that is no longer checked.
Note: Outgoing Email Configuration settings (Settings | Outgoing Email Configuration) must be set up before HotBackup notifications can be added.
Notifications can be added, edited, or deleted via the Notification Center tab.
Don’t let your HotBackup preferences become dated! Review these settings regularly to make sure you have everything in place should a restore become necessary.
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
Are you familiar with everything the Platinum version of the software offers? Platinum provides many great features including Tabs3 Connect, the ability to back up the software while others are working in the software, accelerated features, auto-recovery if errors occur, eNotes, special report options, and more.
Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview,” provides information on why we recommend everyone be on Platinum, how Platinum works, key features, frequently asked questions, and more.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
If you haven’t tried out Platinum yet because you haven’t had time to read up on the features, then this video’s for you!
The Platinum Overview video goes over the core features that make Platinum great, including the following:
Watch this three-minute video here:
Training Videos can be accessed at Tabs3.com/videos. You can also access the videos while in the software by selecting Help | Training Videos.
In Version 19, Tabs3 Connect has been updated with a cleaner, more modern look, including new icons, a new font, and updated colors. The icons are very similar to those in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster that you are already familiar with, and all of the pages now use the Open Sans web font to provide a consistent look between devices and improve readability.
In addition to this graphical makeover, Tabs3 Connect has received a few enhancements to its features.
To access the new look and features, update to Version 19!
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your consultant, contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
You may already be set up to synchronize your calendar and contacts between PracticeMaster and Microsoft Outlook via your Exchange server, but using the Platinum Exchange Connector has so many more great benefits!
What makes the Exchange Connector a better option?
To set up the Exchange Connector, you must configure the Active Directory Domain Controller, the Exchange Server, the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Platinum Server, and the Exchange Connector settings. For complete instructions on setting up the Exchange Connector, refer to Knowledge Base Article R11596, “Configuring the PracticeMaster Platinum Exchange Connector.”
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, including the Exchange Connector, contact your local consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
The Platinum version of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software provides a multitude of benefits when working with reports. If reporting is important to your firm, take a look at the following reasons to upgrade now!
Platinum Report Accelerators
Platinum accelerators make processing reports and statements an average of 10 – 30 times faster. The reason for the speed boost is that all of the processing is done at the server instead of sending data back and forth across the network. This significantly affects the time it takes to run reports.
Take a look at actual benchmark numbers in Knowledge Base Article R11142, “Tabs3 Performance Comparison.” You might be surprised!
For more information on how accelerators work and a list of accelerated reports, see Knowledge Base Article R11182, “Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Accelerators.”
Platinum Exclusive Report Options
When you upgrade to Platinum, you get two bonus reporting options in Tabs3:
These reporting options are only available with Platinum because they are very data intensive with complex calculations. Processing these reports using the report accelerator allows the reports to be generated much more quickly, making them fully accessible in Platinum.
For more information on the Accounts Receivable by Timekeeper Report and Enhanced Detail Accounts Receivable Report, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.”
Platinum SQL ODBC
Are you looking for a way to compile all of the information you need onto one report, rather than using multiple reports? Do you prefer to manipulate report data using tools you are more familiar with, such as Microsoft® Excel® or Access®? You may find a solution with the ODBC driver.
All Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software is ODBC capable. This means an ODBC driver can be used to export the information into various environments that allow for ODBC. Many users have utilized the ODBC driver to create reports in programs such as Crystal Reports®, Access, and Excel. This can allow for a single report with all of the desired data.
You can purchase individual licenses for the standard 32-bit version of ODBC, but what if you want to increase the processing speed and/or take advantage of 64-bit programs to access the data? Platinum SQL software includes an SQL ODBC driver. The Platinum SQL ODBC driver has the following advantages:
Accelerated SQL Processing – Platinum SQL provides significantly faster reports when using ODBC-capable software. The standard ODBC driver for Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software processes all queries at the workstation, but with Platinum SQL, all queries are processed at the server, thus improving performance and reducing network load.
64- & 32-bit Access – The SQL ODBC driver included with the Platinum SQL software is available in both 64-bit and 32-bit versions. Users with 64-bit workstations can install both drivers and will only need to configure the ODBC data source once.
Firm-wide License Included – The license for the standard ODBC driver is purchased per workstation. However, the ODBC driver included with the Platinum SQL software is licensed for use by the entire firm and is included at no extra charge.
Microsoft SQL Server Access via OLE DB – Platinum SQL supports OLE DB access. In addition to standard ODBC access, Tabs3 and PracticeMaster data is also accessible from OLE DB compatible software using the Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC. This includes Microsoft SQL Server software.
Note: Tabs3 and PracticeMaster data files are ODBC capable as read-only. It is not possible to write to Tabs3 or PracticeMaster data files using an ODBC driver. If you have questions about creating reports using ODBC, contact your local consultant.
For more information on what ODBC can do for you, see Knowledge Base Article R10017, “Working with ODBC.” For more information on Platinum SQL, see Knowledge Base Article R11417, “Platinum SQL Overview.”
For more information about Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.” If you have any questions regarding Platinum features, contact your local consultant, or contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210.
Do you have a question about the software? Any questions that you want to ask have likely been asked by others as well. Because of this, we have created several targeted Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) articles, and made it easy to access them all in one place.
Knowledge Base Article R11567, “Frequently Asked Questions for All Products,” provides a list of articles answering FAQs. Articles are grouped by general, software features, and version specific questions.
Our Knowledge Base can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at support.Tabs3.com. You can also access our Knowledge Base while in the software by selecting Help | Internet Resources | Knowledge Base.
Effective immediately, we have reduced the monthly subscription plan rates for our Platinum SQL levels of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software by 20%. Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster software are now each $32/month per user and Tabs3 Financial Software is $8/month per user.
“We are excited about this reduced pricing for clients choosing to pay for our Platinum SQL level of our software on a monthly per user subscription basis,” said Dan Berlin, President and CEO of Tabs3 Software. “This makes it even more affordable to have the ability to enter fees and costs from your mobile device via Tabs3 Connect, take better advantage of the speed of your firm’s computer, and more.”
The subscription pricing model features a low monthly cost that includes all the benefits of being on maintenance, including free technical support and free updates, plus access to the most award-winning software in the industry.
If you are interested in upgrading to Platinum SQL via monthly subscription, contact either your local consultant or our sales team at (402) 419-2200.
Want to know if Platinum is right for your firm? Try out the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Platinum software risk free for 30 days! This offer allows you to use all of the Platinum features with your own data for 30 days before determining whether Platinum will be a permanent upgrade.
Key features in the Platinum software include:
For more information on the 30 day trial offer, visit Knowledge Base Article R11261, “Platinum Version Net 30 Trial Plan,” and then contact your local consultant or contact our Sales Department at 402-419-2200 to take advantage of this great offer!
System Configuration isn’t a program you work in everyday like Tabs3 Billing, but is geared toward setting up certain features of the software. So what settings are controlled in System Configuration, and how do you access it?
Many settings in the software can be set up once and you’re done, but others may need to be updated such as when employees come and go, your server equipment changes, or your firm changes and grows. Although each individual program (Tabs3 Billing, PracticeMaster, etc.) has program-specific customization settings, many System Configuration settings affect more than just a single program.
Note: Manager Access Rights are required to access many of the settings in System Configuration.
System Configuration is used to set up the following features:
How to access System Configuration
You can open System Configuration via your desktop shortcut, if present, or via the Application Toolbar from any of the Tabs3 software. The Application Toolbar is typically located on the right-hand side of the main window and includes buttons for all Tabs3 software for which you have access rights. For more information about accessing System Configuration, press F1 while in the Tabs3 software and enter “System Configuration” on the Index tab.
Did you know that you can purchase a Tabs3 Connect subscription even if your firm doesn’t use both Tabs3 Billing Platinum and PracticeMaster Platinum?
Platinum firms with both Tabs3 and PracticeMaster still receive one Tabs3 Connect user with each PracticeMaster user they purchase and can access all of the great features of Tabs3 Connect.
Make sure you are taking full advantage of mobile access to Tabs3 and/or PracticeMaster via Tabs3 Connect! For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your reseller and consultant, contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
We’re excited to announce that we will now provide our clients two ways to pay for our highest level of software, Platinum SQL. You can either pay a traditional upfront license with optional annual maintenance or a new monthly subscription plan. Providing two payment options gives you the flexibility to choose which option is right for your firm.
“We are excited to offer this new pricing option for our most feature-rich level of software,” said Dan Berlin, President and CEO of Tabs3 Software. “With Platinum SQL, you will be able to enter fees and costs from your mobile device via Tabs3 Connect, take advantage of the 64-bit capabilities of your firm’s computer, and more.”
The subscription pricing model features a low monthly cost that includes all the benefits of being on maintenance, like free technical support and free updates, plus access to the most award-winning software in the industry. Tabs3 Billing and PracticeMaster software are each $40/month per user and Tabs3 Financial Software is $10/month per user.
If you are interested in upgrading to Platinum SQL via the monthly subscription, either contact your local consultant or our sales team at (402) 419-2200.
Did you know that you can access your client’s billing summary, documents, journal records, and Area of Practice (AOP) files via Tabs3 Connect? You probably already know that you can easily access client, contact, fee, cost, and calendar information from the standard Tabs3 Connect links as well as from within the Tabs3 Connect Matter Manager, but the Matter Manager provides access to much more.
From the Tabs3 Connect Matter Manager:
Tabs3 Connect goes beyond accessing simple client and contact information, and it’s more than just a quick way to enter fees, costs, and calendar entries. Take advantage of the Matter Manager in Tabs3 Connect while you’re out of the office to get all of the information you need, when you need it.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your reseller and consultant, contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
Tabs3 Connect allows you to work away from the office, while your data stays at the office. We know your data contains sensitive information, and we designed Tabs3 Connect with your security in mind. Tabs3 Connect is an internet-based application that accesses the data on your server at your office, and displays it on your device via an easy-to-use interface. Your clients’ data is not stored in the cloud, nor on the device you use to access Tabs3 Connect, nor on Tabs3Connect.com, nor on a third-party server.
Tabs3 Connect provides the following security provisions:
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your reseller and consultant, contact Technical Support at (402) 419-2210, or visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.”
Do you want to take advantage of all the features of Platinum, while also taking full advantage of your server’s memory? If you have a 64-bit server, such as Windows Server 2012, you can improve the performance of accelerated reports and filtering with Platinum SQL! The standard multi-user and Platinum versions of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster are 32-bit programs. That means they can only allocate 2GB of available memory, regardless of whether they run on a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. The Platinum SQL software can be configured to allocate additional memory beyond the 2GB limit for caching, and larger firms will often require more than 2GB of memory allocation to cache their commonly used data and index files. Since Platinum SQL is a 64-bit program, it can access memory on the 64-bit server beyond the 2GB limit, which means it can cache more of your data, thus improving the performance of accelerated reports and filtering! Utilities for monitoring server usage and performance are included with the software, allowing you to determine the effectiveness of your cache settings.
Get maximum data security with Platinum SQL! Platinum SQL allows you to encrypt the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster data, providing your data with an extra layer of security. Platinum SQL software uses the 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to encrypt data. Once data files are encrypted, they can only be read by the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Platinum SQL software.
Platinum SQL also includes the Platinum SQL Server, which maintains a set of SQL tables linked to your Tabs3 and PracticeMaster data. To allow access to these SQL tables, Platinum SQL includes 32-bit and 64-bit SQL ODBC drivers, which allow you to write custom reports in both 64-bit and 32-bit programs (e.g., Crystal Reports and Microsoft Excel 2010 64-bit Edition) as well as OLE DB compatible software (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server) using SQL queries. Furthermore, these queries are processed directly at the server, which improves performance and reduces network traffic. Not only is the SQL ODBC driver included in the Platinum SQL package, but you also receive a firm-wide license for it! This allows multiple users to access SQL ODBC without having to purchase additional licenses. Manager-level SQL access rights can be assigned for each system in System Configuration, allowing you to grant SQL access to only those who need it.
With faster speeds, data encryption, enhanced ODBC capabilities, and the added ability to run SQL queries, Platinum SQL is the ideal solution for any firm that wants to enhance their performance, security, and/or take customized reporting to the next level.
To order the Platinum SQL software for your firm, contact your local reseller and consultant, or call our Sales Department at (402) 419-2200. An overview of the Platinum SQL software is also provided in our Knowledge Base at support.Tabs3.com in KB Article R11417, “Platinum SQL Overview.”
Are you looking to increase the speed of your reports? What about going mobile and securely accessing your data while out of the office? Join Philip Allendorfer, Director of Development for Tabs3 and PracticeMaster, as he explains the benefits of Platinum, such as faster reporting, mobile access, and more convenient backups. Reserve your spot at Tabs3.com/PlatinumWebinar!
You’ve heard about Platinum, but haven’t had time to look into it yet. Now you wonder if your firm should take action now, before it’s too late. You’ve heard the horror stories whispered around the water cooler; you try to shake off the cold chill as you walk back to your desk – is that just air conditioning, or premonition? The following stories wend their way through your thoughts for the rest of the day…
Your boss tells you that not only has the server crashed, but the external backup has been failing recently. He wants you to restore the internal backup of the Tabs3 and PracticeMaster software. You start to tremble. Time is money, so when prompted to make a backup you always click No, because you don’t want to interrupt workflow by having everyone exit the software. You close your eyes in dread; there is no internal backup…
It’s nearing the end of a dark and stormy Friday before a long holiday weekend. You start to update statements, skipping the backup because you want to wrap things up so you can leave. The lights flicker and your computer reboots as a loud clap of thunder makes you jump. You open Tabs3 Billing again, but when trying to work in the software, you receive a message that a backup needs to be restored due to the Update Statements program being interrupted. Your pulse leaps, knowing that some of the attorneys will probably come in to work this weekend. Now they can’t use the software until the data has been restored…
The phone rings. You answer it, only for your breath to catch in your throat – an attorney needs a report for her meeting in 5 minutes, but that report takes more than 20 minutes to run. There’s no way to get her the information she needs in time…
It’s midnight, but you can’t sleep with the full moon lighting your room. You’re out of town and away from the office with the current case weighing heavily on you. You get up to check your e-mail and do some research since you’re awake anyway, and discover information that will change your entire case strategy. Your client’s case hangs in the balance; you must compare the new information to what’s saved in PracticeMaster, but it’s late and you can’t access it remotely. A dog howls outside. The hair on the back of your neck raises as you pace the floor. Finally, you grab the phone to wake the managing partner…
Someone received an error in the software, and you need to run a Data File Integrity Check. Unfortunately, several of the employees are away from their desks. You don’t have the password for their computers, nor the time to go to each one, and you know resetting users is bad. You need to make sure the data is fine before the attorneys come back from lunch. You begin to sweat, jumping at shadows as you expect someone to come in at any time demanding answers…
In addition to all of these features, Platinum also provides eNotes, accelerated filtering and column sorting, the Platinum Exchange Connector, an Accounts Receivable by Timekeeper Report, and enhancements to the Detail Accounts Receivable Report. For more information on all of the Platinum features, see Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.”
Don’t succumb to terror. For information on a 30-day trial offer, to get a price quote, or to order Platinum, contact your local reseller, consultant, or our Sales Department at (402) 419-2200!
Tabs3 Connect has been around for some time now, but what exactly is Tabs3 Connect, and what can it do for your firm? Tabs3 Connect is a Platinum feature that provides access to Tabs3 and PracticeMaster anywhere you can connect to the Internet. No apps to download, simply go to Tabs3Connect.com and log in using your phone, tablet, laptop, or other internet-enabled device. Access client and contact information, enter fees and costs, use Matter Manager, access your firm’s calendar, receive alarm notifications, send and receive eNotes, and download documents and e-mail attachments via Tabs3 Connect. On smartphones and tablets, you can tap to create a fee, and flick to scroll through a list.
Keeping your data secure is top priority, and Tabs3 Connect was designed to protect attorneys’ sensitive information. The information you access using Tabs3 Connect is secure because it resides at your office, on your computer. It won’t be stored on someone else’s server in the cloud, or on a phone that you might lose. Furthermore, you choose who has access to Tabs3 Connect and who doesn’t, and access profiles affect users logged in to Tabs3 Connect as well. You can even keep track of Tabs3 Connect access and activity by reviewing the Tabs3 Connect Access Log and Tabs3 Connect Log.
If you already have Platinum, take advantage of this great feature and change the way your firm works! Don’t have Platinum yet? Now is a great time to explore the possibilities.
For more information on Tabs3 Connect, contact your reseller, consultant, or Technical Support at (402) 419-2210; or, visit Knowledge Base Article R11480, “All About Tabs3 Connect.” For more information on all of the great Platinum features, visit Knowledge Base Article R11379, “Platinum Overview.”